Published: June 21, 2020

America’s Casinos are Calling on State Gaming Regulators to Allow Cashless Payments

To reduce the risk of further COVID-19 transmission, state gaming regulators to contemplate letting operators accept more cashless payments. This is according to America’s casino industry group. The American Gaming Association (AGA) on Tuesday released its new Payments Modernization Policy Principles. This a seven-point plan to minimize the need for casino operators to handle different financial transactions using what is now widely known as even filthier lucre in the form of paper banknotes.

Last week, the AGA reported that more than 60% of US casinos have reopened after their long time pandemic closures. Up to now, business at these reopened casinos has been hindered by social distancing requirements. According to AGA survey data, 57% of casino players want the option of avoiding handling cash during their visit. The AGA also thinks that digital payment alternatives will enable gamblers to monitor their gambling activity better and to set spending limits in advance. What will reduce the current friction between gaming and non-gaming segments of an integrated resort is providing customers with more payment options.

In order to both simplify industry compliance and allow regulators to oversee a consistent, transparent framework better, the AGA is demanding state regulators to draft new rules that align with relevant federal regulations. Better identification of financial offenders by law enforcement will be enabled by digital payments. A few Nevada casinos have done trial runs of cashless payments on their gaming floors through Automated Cashless Systems’ PlayOn gaming table-based ATM system. PlayOn allows users to monitor their gambling spending and set limits in advance.

Vegas casino patrons appear largely unconcerned by the patrons around them pumping COVID-19 droplets into the surrounding air though they may fear to catch cash-cooties. Masks are widespread among casino staff but customers wearing masks are reported to be a distinct minority of casino guests, since Nevada casinos’ reopening earlier this month. Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak, on Monday, confirmed that customers’ mask use would, for the time being, be pursued “voluntarily.” The Nevada Gaming Control Board continues to “strongly encourage” casino guests to wear masks but warned if Nevada’s COVID-19 infection rates showed a sudden spike, the policy could become mandatory.

Source: https://calvinayre.com/2020/06/16/casino/us-casinos-lobbying-cashless-payments-covid-19/

https://news.tunf.com/americas-casinos-are-calling-on-state-gaming-regulators-to-allow-cashless-payments/004014

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